Smoke is a collection of minute solid, liquid, and gaseous particles. Even though smoke can consist of hundreds of various chemicals and fumes, visible smoke is mostly consisting of carbon or soot, oils, tar, and ash.
Smoke is an undesirable by-product of fires but is also used for communication as smoke signals and pest control in fumigation. It also has defensive and offensive military capabilities as a smokescreen, smoking tobacco and cannabis or cooking. It is a part of rituals where incense, resin, or sages are burned to produce a smell for a magical or spiritual process.
Smoke occurs due to incomplete combustion of material – when there is not enough oxygen for the fuel’s complete burning. When complete combustion takes place, everything is burned and produces water and carbon dioxide. When incomplete combustion occurs, not everything is burned –smoke forms a collection of these tiny unburnt particles.
Inhalation of smoke is the chief cause of death in victims of indoor fires. Nearly 75% of home fires victims lose their lives because of the effect that the smoke has on them rather than the fire.
Inhaling smoke even for a short period can cause immediate and acute effects on the individual. Smoke cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and the odour that it has maybe nauseating to some. Studies have some lung function changes in some people exposed to smoke, making breathing difficult.
Smoke is primarily composed of water vapour, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and other organic chemicals such as the trace of minerals, nitrogen oxides, and several other compounds. Fuel type, the fire’s temperature, and the condition of the wind determines the composition of the smoke.
Smoke can be extremely toxic and irritating, and it also contains flammable compounds, which with an increase in oxygen, can ignite either through open flames or by their temperature. This leads to a flashover or backdraught effect.
Smoke inhalation can be deadly for a person depriving people of oxygen. Combustion can either use up the oxygen near a fire, leaving no oxygen to breathe. Smoke also contains carbon monoxide, which further limits the amount of oxygen in the air causing harm to the person by asphyxiating. Combustion can also form a chemical that injures the skin and mucous membrane.
Compounds produced due to combustion can cause cell damage in the body by interfering in the delivery or use of oxygen. Visibility is also obscured by smoke, making it difficult to evacuate from a fire. Disorientation and panic of people who get held in a fire, which is why people become unable to find a way out – which serves as a cause of death for many.
Smoke inhalation causes several signs and symptoms based on the severity of the accident. People are suggested to avail of medical help immediately. Recovery from smoke inhalation is different for every person, and it also depends on the severity of the injury. It will take time for the lungs of the affected person to fully heal.
10 Lines on Smoke Essay in English
1. More than half of the deaths that are related to fire are caused due to inhalation of smoke.
2. Exposure to heavy smoke causes temporary changes in the lungs of some, causing difficulty in breathing.
3. Oxygen serves as the most important part of smoke inhalation treatment.
4. In smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of death.
5. Carbon monoxide poisoning is treated by hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO).
6. The composition of smoke depends on the fuel type, wind conditions, and temperature of the fire.
7. Being exposed to severe smoke can cause wheezing, blue lips or fingernails, increased or rapid heart rate.
8. It is suggested to test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, replacing batteries every year.
9. Smoke can cause more damage to any building than the heat or flames of the fire.
10. The initial colour of smoke is grey – smoke is carried away, and smoke particles drop – and eventually, the smoke turns white.